Shanto to speak in favour of Shakib with Dr Yunus if the opportunity comes

Bangladesh's cricket team returned home on Wednesday night following their historic Test win against Pakistan. The cricketers and the rest of the team came home in two groups. However, 15 of the 16 cricketers in the Test squad have gone home; the last cricketer, Shakib Al Hasan, has not returned. The veteran all-rounder travelled to England from Pakistan for the county competition.

There is much debate over whether he should return to his home country. This began before Shakib's name appeared in a murder case. Following the case, BCB received a lawyer's warning to exclude him from the national team and return him to the country. However, the country's cricket governing body supports Shakib and has reportedly promised legal assistance. BCB president Farooq Ahmed told TBS a few days ago that Shakib would play for the national team until he was found guilty.

The cricketers, like the board, support Shakib. After coming home, Najmul Hossain Shanto stated that if given the opportunity, he would speak on the matter with the interim government's Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus. Everyone on the team wants to inform the Chief Advisor that they are beside Shakib.

When asked about Shakib at the airport on Wednesday night when he returned home, Shanto replied, "The problem of Shakib Bhai is another matter. However, every player is with Shakib Bhai. We are all aware of Shakib Bhai's dedication and passion for the game. Always thinking about the team. If it comes up during our meeting with the Chief Advisor, I will say, every player is with Shakib Bhai."

Shakib was accused of the murder of garment worker Rubel. He was accused in the case of ordering Rubel's death as part of the anti-discrimination student campaign. On 22 August, Rubel's father, Rafiqul Islam, filed the action as the plaintiff, and Shakib was named the 28th accused.

Many cricketers reacted after Shakib's name was mentioned in the murder case. Apart from supporting Shakib, the players claim he is innocent. Mushfiqur Rahim, Muminul Haque, Shariful Islam, Nurul Hasan Sohan, and Enamul Haque Vijayara took to social media to express their support for the veteran all-rounder.

Bangladesh will visit India in the middle of next month. During this tour, they will face India in two Tests and three Twenty20 Internationals. The first Test in Chennai will begin on 19 September. Shakib will not return home before the series; instead, he will travel immediately to India from England. After that, BCB will decide whether or not to return to the country.